Build Thread '81 CJ-7 Laredo build

[Petescj]

Ok technically it isnt mine. Something Vicki and I both found pretty interesting was where the Cj originally came from. Back in 1981 you may have seen it around , its originally titled in Wisconsin!

I was also kinda worried since I said she could pick the color. I of course loved the black and was ready to paint it like it is with the Renegade decals. Shot down in flames. She wanted an Electric green color similar to the old Cuda color in the 70s. We finally ended up agreeing on going with the Cjs original color. Copper Brown Metalic. The Cj is also a Laredo and not a Renegade . The hood is from another Cj.

Well I am really Happy to see that CJ7!!!

Isn't the Winch Vicki's????

I can hardly wait to see a picture of Vicki driving this thing!!!

:grinjeep:

 

[Old Dog]

Well I am really Happy to see that CJ7!!!

Isn't the Winch Vicki's????

I can hardly wait to see a picture of Vicki driving this thing!!!

:grinjeep:

I think she's trying to say that... your going to be pulling cable for Vicki

 

[Petescj]

Oh

I think she's trying to say that... your going to be pulling cable for Vicki

 

[oldjeeplady]

Oh

I just love to hear to you laugh on the computer...

It is just so worth it my friend...

 

[Petescj]

Thank you very much. It was kinda strange to see Vicki as excited, if not more than me about another Cj arriving.

I just love to hear to you laugh on the computer...

It is just so worth it my friend...

 

[Petescj]

Plan was to start pulling the Transmission today after work. 2nd shift guy calls off and I have to stay till 7pm. Little punk. Anyhow I'll try and start again tomorrow.

 

[Petescj]

Bad news is I havent started yet. The good news is I just pulled 12 hrs of double time to put into the Cj. It looks like that windshield and frame will be fixed up before Kentucky. As long as nothing crazy happens I'll be sporting some brand ne MTR's for the trip as well.

The only bummer is Im gonna have to run the hard top for the trip to make sure all our gear stays dry. Just wont be able to swing a soft top before then.

 

[Petescj]

Finally got in a good wrenching session yesterday. Took the skid plate down, removed the starter, inspection cover , floor shifter , drive shafts and all the bellhousing bolts. Thats when I found that this Cj ( 4in lift and 35s ) relegated my current floor jack useless. Im going to forego the stacking of blocks , bricks , wood method and treat myself to a new jack.

 

[Old Dog]

Thats when I found that this Cj ( 4in lift and 35s ) relegated my current floor jack useless. Im going to forego the stacking of blocks , bricks , wood method and treat myself to a new jack.

Been there done that, you have to check on how high they go, some don't even tell you. I ended up with a 3 1/2 ton off name brand, but it's been working well so far. I always use jack stands though.

 

[CJ]

~~~ I always use jack stands though.

YES! Jacks are for lifting, jack stands are for supporting.

Please work safe.

 

[Petescj]

Oh I know about jackstands. My problem is the darn jack wont reach the Transmission pan so I can get the Transmission out. All 4 tires are firmly on the ground with the e-brake on. Most of the jacks Ive searched so far ( that actually give a lift hieght ) are between 17.5 and 19.5 inches. I better go down and measure. I do think that the automatic has atleast one advantage over the manual. Ground clearance. It tucks up under the Cj pretty nicely.

 

[Airstrike]

Oh I know about jackstands. My problem is the darn jack wont reach the transmission pan so I can get the transmission out. All 4 tires are firmly on the ground with the e-brake on. Most of the jacks Ive searched so far ( that actually give a lift hieght ) are between 17.5 and 19.5 inches. I better go down and measure. I do think that the automatic has atleast one advantage over the manual. Ground clearance. It tucks up under the Cj pretty nicely.

I had that problem when doing my sending unit in the gas tank... was like an inch short on reach with my 3 ton jack... I cheated but didn't go for the ole block of wood... I just let the air out of the 33's til it reached

 

[oldjeeplady]

We just recently bought a new jack. My husband wanted something that had great ground clearance, but also lifted really high. He is quite happy with his purchase - he got it from Northern. I'm in the barn right now...I will go find out which one we got.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I had that problem when doing my sending unit in the gas tank... was like an inch short on reach with my 3 ton jack... I cheated but didn't go for the ole block of wood... I just let the air out of the 33's til it reached

I have always been told to work smarter, not harder. Good solution Airstrike!

 

[Vvajk]

Looks like a great hog to me! Have fun with it.

 

[oldjeeplady]

We just recently bought a new jack. My husband wanted something that had great ground clearance, but also lifted really high. He is quite happy with his purchase - he got it from Northern. I'm in the barn right now...I will go find out which one we got.

OK It is a Arcan Quick Lift Professional Service Jack — 3 1/2-Ton, Model# XL35 that normally goes for $160 and we got it on sale for $140 plus we had a coupon for another $20 off. Ship to store, but we had to pay tax....It's only money.......

 

[Petescj]

Thanks , and love your sig.

Looks like a great hog to me! Have fun with it.

 

[Petescj]

I had that problem when doing my sending unit in the gas tank... was like an inch short on reach with my 3 ton jack... I cheated but didn't go for the ole block of wood... I just let the air out of the 33's til it reached

Good thinking but Im out an air compressor right now. I thought about using some tiny tires I have here but this is gonna crop up again and again so its time to bite the bullet so to speak

I have always been told to work smarter, not harder. Good solution Airstrike!

Following that adage is the hard part.

OK It is a Arcan Quick Lift Professional Service Jack — 3 1/2-Ton, Model# XL35 that normally goes for $160 and we got it on sale for $140 plus we had a coupon for another $20 off. Ship to store, but we had to pay tax....It's only money.......

That is spot on for what Im looking for. Unfortunately finding something with those specs in stock is a p.i.t.a.

 

[Petescj]

Well Vicki knew I was bummed ( pissed ) I couldnt get the Transmission out over the weekend. We talked about what specs I wanted in a jack last nite and she web searched , then planned a route for today. I wanted the larger style saddle with the ability to lift 20 inches or higher. Unfortunately the first 3 places she came across turned up empty for anything good. It seems like everyone wants you to order over the web so they dont have to stock it.

Anyhow she gets to store #4 and sends me a text " How about this?" Its a Transmission jack that lifts up to 23 inches. Now granted Ive asked for speciallty tools before and her response has been " Cant you just use..." It seems things have changed since this is Her Cj. Im down with it since that SM465 Im swapping in mine is a heavy bugger as well. So I get this:

 

[Petescj]

So I have my new Transmission jack and head to the garage a little after work. I bolt on the casters , jack it up under the Cj and use the ratchet strap to keep her steady. I try prying the Transmission a bit to free it. No go. Different angles and different levels of hieght on the jack. It moves and I can see the alignment pins on the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , but still wont come free.

Ive removed transmissions before. I look it over again. Everything is clear. I kick the out of it trying to sperate the Transmission . Im like a short fat Bruce Lee ( In my mind ) killing this thing. Real anger sets in and Im cursing this new fangled tool Vicki has thrust upon me.

Im so angry now I actually decide to get my Haynes manual out just to see if theres something I missed. Umm , Im an idiot. Automatic Transmission my friends. Torque converter bolts. After removing them Vickis new fangled tool worked perfectly. Heres to not giving up and finally getting that sucker outta there. Tomorrow is strictly garage clean up.